Further your education?

[CSISN]

I am a student nurse and will be graduating in December 2012 with an ADN (associate in nursing). I have been told since day one I need to "go on" and get my bachelor degree and there is going to be a day when they will only accept RNs with a BSN. I want to get other nurses opinions on this. When is the "best" time to get my bachelor degree? Is it better to go right for it after graduating or to work for a year or two before going to get my bachelor degree?

Thank you

[SuzieF]

I agree 100% with TiffyRN

"I finally "get" so much of what we never had time to fully understand in my ADN program. Now, waiting nearly 20 years is overdoing it a bit, but I think some real nursing experience gives me a framework to hang all my new knowledge on."

I have also returned to school after an extended absence. I am going from ADN to MSN. I wish though that I would have gotten my BSN soon after my first graduation. I believe it would have helped my overall understanding of the nursing profession, our process and critical thinking skills. However, I do believe having a few years experience under your belt prior to graduate school is best. My experience compliments and increases my understanding of the graduate course work. Plus, I really feel most need to work in the profession for a while before deciding on your ultimate educational goal.